Quick Compare: Featured Gaming Laptops

The 17.3" Predator 17 Notebook from Acer is a system designed for gamers who require fast hardware and an aggressive design with LED lighting. It's also well suited for general everyday use such as browsing the Internet, watching movies, and composing documents. Powered by a 2.9 GHz Intel Core i7-7820HK Quad-Core processor and 32GB of DDR4 RAM, the Predator 17 ensures smooth multitasking and quick access to frequently used files and programs. For additional computing power, the processor can reach up to 3.9 GHz thanks to Intel's Turbo Boost technology.

For long-term storage of your files, the Predator 17 has two 256GB solid-state drives configured in RAID 0 and a 1TB 7200 rpm hard drive. Solid-state drives have no moving parts, making them more resistant to bumps and shock, and they deliver faster performance than traditional hard drives. If you want to add external storage, peripherals, and more, it is equipped with one Thunderbolt 3 port via the USB Type-C port, and four USB 3.0 Type-A ports.

Built-in Killer Wireless-AC 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet provide wireless and wired Internet connectivity while Bluetooth 4.1 technology enables you to connect additional compatible peripherals such as headsets, keyboards, and mice. Other integrated features include an SD card reader, a webcam, a microphone, speakers, subwoofers, and audio in/out jacks. The installed operating system is Windows 10 Home (64-bit).

Intel Core i7 Performance

The Predator 17 is powered by an Intel Core i7-7820HK processor. Its quad cores have a stock speed of 2.9 GHz and can be increased up to 3.9 GHz, thanks to Intel Turbo Boost technology. With a dedicated 8MB L3 cache, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and Intel Hyper-Threading technology, you'll be able to push the quad cores up to eight virtual cores for quick and efficient multitasking.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-Series Graphics Cards

NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 10-series graphics cards can deliver up to a 40% increase in performance over the previous generation. Not only are they powerful, they can deliver similar performance to their desktop counterparts with a slight performance difference. This changes mobile gaming, allowing you to max out your game's visual settings so you can enjoy it at its best. Furthermore, 10-series graphics cards are VR ready so plug in your favorite headset for a new computing experience.

17.3" IPS Display

The Predator 17 has a 17.3" display with a 3840 x 2160 native resolution. You'll be able to experience sharp text, detailed picture quality, and vibrant colors. Since the screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, you'll be able to play 1080p Full HD content without letterboxing. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels also provide better color reproduction and viewing angles compared to standard TN (Twisted Nematic) panels.

G-Sync Support

With NVIDIA G-Sync technology, the monitor's refresh rate will sync and lock with the graphics card's output frame rate. Establishing this sync removes tearing and stuttering which can result from conventional fixed screen refresh rates, especially important for gaming in stereoscopic 3D. An additional benefit of G-Sync is reduced lag so gamers will benefit from the improved command response time as well.

Thunderbolt 3 via USB Type-C

Thunderbolt 3 is a hardware interface that utilizes the reversible USB Type-C connector. Doubling the speed of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 features a maximum throughput of 40 Gb/s when used with compatible devices. The connector also transmits data via USB 3.1 at up to 10 Gb/s, and dual-bandwidth DisplayPort 1.2 allows you to connect two 4K displays simultaneously. Additionally, you can daisy chain up to six devices from a single Thunderbolt 3 port.

Gigabit Ethernet & Killer Wireless-AC 802.11ac Wi-Fi

The Predator 17 features Gigabit Ethernet and Killer Wireless-AC 802.11ac Wi-Fi so that users may access network connectivity using wired and wireless technologies. Killer Wireless-AC is a dual-band network adapter that features Advanced Stream Detect, which automatically classifies and prioritizes network traffic for online games, HD video, and more for better control and fewer interruptions.

Predator Features

PredatorSense

PredatorSense gives you access to gaming features like keyboard macro profiles you can switch between in-game, and adjustable lighting configurations.

Predator ProZone

The Predator ProZone RGB keyboard has customizable multicolored backlight zones, with 16 million colors to choose from, and programmable macro profiles you can share. A number pad and dedicated macro buttons provide you with even more functionality.

Predator DustDefender

Keep your new rig nice and clean with Predator Dust Defender. Alternating airflow direction helps stop dust from building up and maintain a cool temperature, which ensures your high-end components will keep running smoothly. For extreme gamers who need to keep their notebook operating at lower temperatures, inject some cold to keep heat down and performance up with the optional Predator FrostCore (not included). The Predator FrostCore replaces the optical disk drive bay for additional air flow.

Windows 10

Start Menu

After its hiatus in Windows 8, the Start Menu has returned. Utilizing a combination of the traditional menu system and Windows 8's Live Tiles, the improved Start Menu gives you more information at a glance, showing notification information alongside your applications and other pinned items.

Cortana

Microsoft's digital personal assistant, Cortana can answer your questions with information gleaned from both your device and the internet at large. You can type or even talk with her, if your system has a microphone. Using her Notebook, Cortana keeps track of your needs and wants, and she learns over time to improve her information gathering skills.

Microsoft Edge

After nearly 20 years, Microsoft has finally replaced its Internet Explorer web browser. With Microsoft Edge, users can write directly on web pages and share notes with friends and colleagues. It also improves the online reading experience by adding a distraction-free mode and read-it-later functionality. Edge also has built-in Cortana integration; you can have her help you find a restaurant, make a reservation, and pull up directions without leaving your browser.

Windows Store

For Windows 10, Microsoft has unified the Windows Store. Now, apps for PCs, tablets, and phones will all be accessible from one place. And with support for Universal Apps, one version of an app can work across all your compatible devices automatically.

Windows Continuum

Windows 10 was designed for a variety of screen sizes and input styles, and with its Continuum feature, it automatically adapts to fit your needs. A Windows 10 tablet on its own requires a touch-centric approach, but attaching a mouse and keyboard will shift everything to a more traditional interface. You can even attach an external monitor to your Windows 10 phone for a near-desktop experience. But it's not just the operating system; Windows Universal Apps take advantage of Continuum as well.

Xbox on Windows 10

Gaming is a big focus of Windows 10. Xbox integration allows for PC players to match up against Xbox One players on supported games, and if you have an Xbox One, you can even stream compatible titles to your PC. Native support for recording with the new Game DVR feature makes it easy to capture and share your gameplay. The new DirectX12 takes better advantage of multi-core processors, giving games a performance boost, even on older hardware. Windows 10 also features native support for virtual reality headsets, such as the Oculus Rift.

Rated 4 out of
5 by
bochen from
very powerful and smooth computerI like this stylish laptop. It is very easy to use and very powerful. I am getting ready to test the VR setup. So far everything is very good

Date published: 2017-08-31

Rated 4 out of
5 by
Nathan from
Great option for desktop replacementOverall I have been very satisfied with this laptop; The performance has been excellent, the screen quality is amazing, and it's ability to stay cool is top notch. I do have two things to point out: The first isn't a complaint but more of a fyi; this thing is huge, and I mean even more then you would think for a 17inch laptop, I had to order 4 different 17inch laptop bags before i found one that fit. The second thing, and this is a complaint, I don't know who was in charge of designing the power hookup but the should be fired. You even breath on it wrong and it unseats. The best part is it may not actually fallout so it looks like it's still plugged in but it isn't. Very annoying, but other than that it's great.

Date published: 2018-02-01

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Steven from
Great Desktop ReplacementExcellent build quality, display, keyboard and touchpad. Stylish. I like the lighting. Storage is good, SSD SATA RAID 0 at 512GB with 1TB. Technical specifications are top notch. Overall, highly recommended. I upgraded the storage separately, looking to test HTC VIVE with this next. Great! Desktop Replacement.